Leadership change at FrancisCorps

May 18, 2015

Friar Rick Riccioli, OFM Conv and Alexander LaPoint (FC 10)

FrancisCorps is very pleased to announce that Alexander LaPoint (FC 10) has been named Director of FrancisCorps effective August 3, 2015. Over the past year, AJ has proven himself an effective assistant director and co-minister of the program. The Franciscan Friars Conventual recognize in AJ the leader to whom they can now pass on the ministry of FrancisCorps. AJ was a FrancisCorps volunteer in 2008-2009 and possesses the solid educational background and ministry experience with young-adults that make him well suited for this position. This new direction for FrancisCorps is an important part of the Franciscans’ commitment to model in FrancisCorps a vision of Church that is inclusive and collaborative.

The Franciscan Friars Conventual of Our Lady of the Angels Province, gathered in Chapter in May 2014, recommitted themselves to a continued intentional and robust involvement of friars in the FrancisCorps experience. In order to do so Friar Rick Riccioli, OFM Conv. will assume the newly created position of “Chaplain” to the program. The Chaplain’s role will be to coordinate the fraternal relationship with the friars and provide the faith formation and Franciscan formation for the FrancisCorps volunteers. The chaplain will be supported in this ministry by the other local friars in both Syracuse and Alajuela, Costa Rica and the Franciscan Sisters and Secular Franciscans who act as Co-Ministers in the FrancisCorps program.

“This is a win/win evolution for FrancisCorps! It’s a great way to ensure a long-term and stable involvement of friars in the most important formative aspects of the FrancisCorps experience while allowing me to take on new pastoral responsibilities in Syracuse.” – Friar Rick Riccioli, OFM Conv.“I am excited to be able to give back to a program that has been so influential in my own life in such an important way. I look forward to working with Friar Rick, the Franciscan Friars Conventual, and the entire FrancisCorps family to continue to grow the FrancisCorps experience for all our volunteers and the communities they serve!” – Alexander LaPoint (FC 10)